February 16-22, 2008

February 16, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./

I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

10,000 display outrage

JDV son: Palace cabal could have gotten P10B

By DJ Yap, Julie M. Aurelio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:26:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- In the loudest display yet of public outrage over the controversial $329-million broadband deal, thousands of protesters Friday demanded the resignation of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080216-119227/10000-display-outrage


2. The Philippine Star

Ombudsman summons FG, Abalos, Neri on ZTE

By Sandy Araneta
Saturday, February 16, 2008

The Office of the Ombudsman summoned yesterday First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, former elections chief Benjamin Abalos and several others to its preliminary investigation Monday morning into the national broadband network (NBN) deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215135


3. Manila Times

GMA will support ‘Cha-cha’

But she will not start moves to amend Charter

By Angelo S. Samonte, Reporter

President Gloria Arroyo said she will support proposals for amending the 1987 Constitution through Charter change, or “Cha-cha,” but stressed that she will not initiate moves to do so.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/16/yehey/top_stories/20080216top1.html


4. Malaya

'Sobra na. Resign!'
Arroyo warned of 'boiling point'

BY ASHZEL HACHERO and ANTHONY IAN CRUZ

THOUSANDS converged yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino monument in Makati City to call for President Arroyo's resignation and prosecution of officials involved in graft and corruption.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

SC: Garci tape ban unconstitutional

Prior restraint on media, Supreme Court rules
High Court rejects warnings on media by DoJ and NTC

Rey G. Panaligan

The Supreme Court (SC) declared unconstitutional yesterday the warnings issued by two government agencies on the airing of the alleged wiretapped conversations between President Arroyo and former Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Virgilio "Garci" Garcillano during the 2004 presidential election.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080216117120.html


6. The Daily Tribune

‘Mutineers’ call on troops to break chain of command

02/16/2008

Two groups of soldiers accused separately of mutiny in 2003 and 2006 yesterday joined the voices of those calling for the resignation of President Arroyo on Ayala Avenue in Makati City from their cells in Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo and urged the troops to break away from Mrs. Arroyo.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080216hed1.html


7. Abante

8. Abante-Tonite


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Cellphone ni Lozada kakalkalin

Ni Malou Escudero
Saturday, February 16, 2008

Balak ipasilip ni Senador Ramon ‘Bong’ Revilla ang cellphone billings ni ZTE star witness Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada upang malaman talaga kung nagsasabi ito ng totoo o hindi.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008021570


10. Journal

PLAY IT

By: Hector Lawas

UPHOLDING press freedom, the Supreme Court yesterday nullified the orders issued by the National Telecommunications Commission and Justice Secretary Raul Gonzalez stopping the airing of the wiretapped conversation of President Macapagal-Arroyo and former Commission on Elections Commissioner Virgilio “Garci” Garcillano during the 2004 presidential elections.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=1&aid=49617


11. Business World

Fiat to liberalize Clark, Subic airports out soon — Arroyo

The Executive is finalizing a fiat that will liberalize passenger transport by foreign carriers in two major airports north of Metro Manila.
http://bworldonline.com/BW021608/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror



II. POLITICAL

At last Ombudsman acts, summons Mike Arroyo, et al.

By Jocelyn Uy, Jerome Aning, Christine Avendaño, Jerry E. Esplanada
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:37:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Suddenly, there is a proliferation of investigations on the controversial government deal with China's ZTE Corp. for the National Broadband Network project.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080216-119230/At-last-Ombudsman-acts-summons-Mike-Arroyo-et-al


Palace denies threatening to send BIR after big business

By Christine Avendaño, Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:41:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Malacañang said Friday it was the Arroyo administration's policy to go after tax cheats and smugglers, and denied that it had threatened to send tax investigators after members of the Makati Business Club (MBC).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080216-119232/Palace-denies-threatening-to-send-BIR-after-big-business


Nameless, voiceless heard, not politicians

By Volt Contreras
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:59:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The idea was to downplay the role of the politicians and let groups such as the "Tropang Spice ng Makati' be heard or at least acknowledged just for being there.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080216-119235/Nameless-voiceless-heard-not-politicians


PSG man in 'kidnap' named

By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:01:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Airport security footage has captured how a shirt-clad man identified as a member of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) appeared to have been in control of the operation that took Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. through an unusual exit from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 1 last week.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080216-119236/PSG-man-in-kidnap-named


PNP: Cam on La Salle gate watching traffic

By Juliet Labog-Javellana, Alcuin Papa, Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:02:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- They're only watching traffic.

Police installed a surveillance camera in front of Gate 4B of La Salle Green Hills in Mandaluyong City where ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel "Jun" Lozada Jr. and his family have sought refuge.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080216-119237/PNP-Cam-on-La-Salle-gate-watching-traffic


Makati crowd demands GMA resignation

By Michael Punongbayan
Saturday, February 16, 2008

The protest rally at the busy financial district of Makati yesterday paled in comparison to the first two EDSA people power protests that ousted two presidents, but the same message – step down – came loud and clear.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215136


Editorial
‘Bring it on’

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:46:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- There was a protest rally, there will be a Mass.

Friday, Makati City saw, once more, the face of mobilization; Sunday, La Salle Greenhills will be the focus of prayers. From Friday to Sunday, the question remains: Is there anybody new, and has anyone budged? Will the people vote with their feet to tip the balance either way? For the great polarization of our people since 2005 has involved not two, but three, sides: those for the administration, those arrayed against it, and the majority of the public, watchful, waiting, skeptical and even fearful.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/editorial/view/20080216-119233/Bring-it-on


NTC, DOJ warning on ‘Garci’ tapes illegal – SC

By Mike Frialde
Saturday, February 16, 2008

The Supreme Court, voting 10-5, declared yesterday as “prior restraint” the warnings issued by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) to broadcast media agencies against the airing of the controversial “Hello, Garci” tapes.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215137


Social Climate
Social volcanology

By Mahar Mangahas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:41:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- I am often asked about public opinion on very recent events, such as Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada’s testimony in the Senate committee hearings, as though the survey group Social Weather Stations (SWS) could have a fresh opinion poll every week. As much as possible, I avoid venturing a guess. For one thing, it’s simpler to wait for the next SWS survey’s answer. For another, I stay open to any survey finding, and am conscious that making a guess can appear to favor a particular outcome.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/columns/view/20080216-119239/Social-volcanology


Neri to critics: Wait for SC ruling

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Saturday, February 16, 2008

Exasperated over the public clamor for him to reveal more about the cancelled national broadband network (NBN) deal, acting Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri said that people should just wait for the Supreme Court to decide on whether he could talk about matters covered by “executive privilege.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215139


Shining light in these dark, desperate times

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:50:00 02/16/2008

Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. has resurfaced. I’m happy he is still alive. I am glad that he finally got the chance to tell what he knows about the controversial ZTE national broadband network (NBN) deal, and expose the circumstances of his disappearance from the airport last Feb. 5. I salute you, Jun. You are a hero. You are an inspiration.
http://opinion.inquirer.net/inquireropinion/letterstotheeditor/view/20080216-119243/Shining-light-in-these-dark-desperate-times


Obstruction raps filed vs GMA

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Sen. Ma. Ana Consuelo “Jamby” Madrigal yesterday filed with the Office of the Ombudsman charges of obstruction of justice against President Arroyo and other government officials for their alleged participation and cover-up in trying to prevent former environment official Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. from testifying at the Senate.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215140


Nograles does balancing act as JDV attacks GMA

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Speaker Prospero Nograles needs to strike a delicate balance between his predecessor, Jose de Venecia Jr., and allies of President Arroyo, a lawmaker said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215141


Joker says inquiry into Southrail project can wait

By Christina Mendez
Saturday, February 16, 2008

Administration Sen. Joker Arroyo reiterated yesterday the need for the Senate to wrap up its probe first on the Northrail Project before pushing for the investigation of the alleged $70-million overcharge in the $932-million Southrail project.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215147


Senators chide ZTE officials for snub

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Three senators chided yesterday officials of Chinese firm ZTE Corp. for their supposed arrogance in refusing to attend Senate hearings on the controversial $329-million national broadband network deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215148


Nograles forms House reform committee

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Speaker Prospero Nograles has formed a committee that would receive and screen proposed reforms his leadership would undertake to improve the image of the House of Representatives and speed up the process of legislation.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080215153


Anti-government rally draws
13,000, protest peaceful

An antigovernment rally drew some 13,000 people to Makati City, the country’s financial hub. Police estimates on the crowd size were lower at about 10,000.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/16/yehey/top_stories/20080216top2.html


Pangilinan raps ZTE Corp. for antiprobe sentiments

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan on Friday rapped ZTE Corp. for saying it will not allow itself to be dragged into a “political circus,” referring to the ongoing probe into the national broadband project.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/16/yehey/top_stories/20080216top4.html


Sen. Arroyo opposes Southrail inquiry

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

Sen. Joker Arroyo gave notice on Friday that he would oppose any investigation of the Southrail project while there is no report on the Senate inquiry into the $500-million Northrail project.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/16/yehey/metro/20080216met7.html


Gloria mum on protests,calls for focus on stability

BY JOCELYN MONTEMAYOR

PRESIDENT Arroyo yesterday said those eyeing the presidency in 2010 to set aside their personal ambitions for the moment and instead focus on stability and moving the country forward.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/news2.htm


PSG owns sarge, denies hand in Lozada

BY DENNIS GADIL

THE chief of the Presidential Security Group yesterday said M/Sgt. Bong Fantillanan, one of four PSG men present at the Terminal 1 last Feb. 5 an hour before the arrival of ZTE star witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr., is in their roster.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/news3.htm


Siccing BIR on groups critical to Arroyo denounced

SENATORS yesterday assailed Malacañang for reportedly threatening to unleash its tax collectors at business groups critical of President Arroyo.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/news4.htm


Ombudsman calls Mike

BY PETER TABINGO

OMBUDSMAN Ma. Merceditas Gutierrez yesterday issued subpoenas to Jose Miguel Arroyo, former Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr., former House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., his son Jose "Joey" de Venecia III, and acting Higher Education chair Romulo Neri to appear in the preliminary investigation on the $329 million NBN-ZTE broadband deal.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/news5.htm


SC rules against gov't threat on airing of 'Garci' tapes

BY EVANGELINE DE VERA

VOTING 10-5, the Supreme Court yesterday struck down a warning issued by the Department of Justice and of the National Telecommunications Commission to radio and television stations against airing the alleged wiretapped conversations between President Arroyo and former elections commissioner Virgilio Garcillano.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/news6.htm


Senators slam ZTE arrogance

SENATORS yesterday slammed the "arrogance" of Chinese firm ZTE Corp. for its refusal to permit its officials to testify in the NBN broadband probe and for saying it will not allow itself to be dragged into any "political circus."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/news7.htm


GMA will support,not initiate ChaCha

PRESIDENT Arroyo said Friday that while she has been advocating Charter change, she would not spend her remaining years in office initiating it.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb16/metro1.htm


DoJ, Ombudsman to start ZTE probe; officials summoned

Gabriel S. Mabutas and Jun Ramirez

The Department of Justice (DoJ) and the Office of the Ombudsman will start next week their parallel investigations into the controversial national broadband network project.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080216117122.html


10,000 people join protest rally in Makati City

Leonard D. Postrado and Kris Bayos

Some 10,000 civil society members, activists, students, workers, farmers, and religious leaders yesterday joined the anti-Arroyo rally initiated by the United Opposition (UNO) at the Ninoy Aquino Monument in Makati City.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080216117124.html


Miriam urges approval of renewable energy bill

Hannah L. Torregoza

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago chairwoman of the Senate Committee on Energy, urged the approval of Senate Bill No. 2046 which, she said, will contribute to world energy supply security.

"Renewable energy has become the buzzword of the day, because its potential for use is very large, exceeding all other readily available sources. Investment capital flowing into renewable energy climbed from $ 80 billion in 2005 to a record of $ 100 billion in 2006," she said.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080216117125.html


Complete Northrail probe first, says Sen. Joker Arroyo

Mario B. Casayuran

Sen. Joker P. Arroyo opposed yesterday a Senate inquiry into the $ 932.037-million Southrail project unless the chamber first completes its investigation into the $ 500-million Northrail project.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080216117128.html


SolGen clears gov’t agents in Lozada abduction

By Conrado Ching
Even as President Arroyo pledged before a business forum of a “thorough and transparent” probe into corruption allegations against her spouse, First Gentleman Jose Miguel “Mike” Arroyo and her allies, as well as other Arroyo officials, Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera yesterday, shortly after retracing the route at the airport taken by ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) project whistle-blower Rodolfo Lozada Jr., immediately cleared all government agents involved in “securing” Lozada from the airport, pronouncing that she found no evidence at all of a Lozada abduction, insisting that there was “no force” applied on him upon arrival from Hong Kong.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080216hed2.html


Palace blames media for GMA slay plot ‘leak’

02/16/2008

It was Malacañang, through its Presidential Security Group (PSG) chief Brig. Gen. Romeo Prestoza that bared the alleged assassination plot against President Arroyo by a group linked to the al-Qaeda network, with Philippine National Police Chief Avelino Razon Jr. confirming the slay plot, but Malacañang yesterday still blamed the media for the disclosure of the alleged slay plot against the President.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080216hed3.html


Senators score ZTE’s ‘political circus’ claim

02/16/2008

Administration and opposition senators yesterday assailed the arrogance displayed by Chinese firm ZTE Corp. in refusing to take part in their ongoing inquiry into alleged massive kickbacks in the $330-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal, even calling the probe a mere “political circus.”
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080216hed4.html


Makati rally dinagsa

Saturday, February 16, 2008

Tinatayang umabot sa 10,000 katao mula sa iba’t ibang sektor ang nagtipon kahapon sa Makati City para sa kilos protesta laban sa gobyernong Arroyo kaugnay ng ZTE deal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008021572


SC nullifies gov’t warnings on ‘Garci’ tapes airing

By Benjamin B. Pulta

02/16/2008

The Supreme Court (SC) yesterday voided two government orders warning media outlets against airing the controversial “Hello Garci” tape.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080216hed5.html


Razon insists: I didn’t order installation of ‘spy’ camera

By Gina Peralta-Elorde

02/16/2008

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr. yesterday denied reports he issued an order to install a surveillance camera that will monitor movements at the La Salle Greenhills campus in Mandaluyong City.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/metro/20080216met1.html


‘No reason for me to resign’

By: Alfred P. Dalizon

THUS said Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino I. Razon Jr. yesterday as he stressed that he is doing his tasks as the country’s top cop diligently and effectively. “Being a servant of the people, I will continue to do my job as a police officer,” Razon said amid reports (not from the Journal Group) that some members of the Philippine Military Academy are calling for him to resign amid the alleged “abduction” of ZTE whistle-blower Jun Lozada at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=1&aid=49615


Thousands rally on Ayala

By: Alvin Murcia with AFP, Jeffrey C. Tiangco

THOUSANDS of anti-government demonstrators jammed Ayala Avenue in Makati City late afternoon yesterday, the start of a series of rallies to urge President Macapagal-Arroyo to step down amid fresh allegations of corruption involving the First Gentleman and other government officials.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=1&aid=49618


Jamby files raps vs GMA

By: Joel de la Torre

SEN. Jamby Madrigal and lawyer Romeo Capulong yesterday filed obstruction of justice charges against President Macapagal-Arroyo, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, Environment Secretary Lito Atienza and Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri in connection with the alleged abduction of Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada, Jr.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=1&aid=49619


No kidnap — Socgen

By: Willy Balasa with Alfred Dalizon

“NO kidnapping or abduction as alleged by the family of Lozada,” Solicitor General Agnes Devanadera said yesterday at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport as she looked into the complaint of Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=1&aid=49621


Ombudsman probes NBN deal

By: Joel de la Torre with Tess Bedico

THE Office of the Ombudsman starts investigating the controversial ZTE broadband deal on Monday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=1&aid=49622


Roxas: Neri can’t invoke executive privilege

SEN. Mar Roxas assailed acting Commission on Higher Education chief Romulo Neri for invoking executive privilege in his bid to evade arrest by the Senate as he joined colleagues Alan Peter Cayetano and Rodolfo Biazon in asking the Supreme Court to lift the status quo order it issued in favor of Neri.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=4&aid=49571


Mendoza, Neri may subpoena na sa DoJ

By: Taliba Wire Monitoring

PINADALHAN kahapon ng Department of Justice (DoJ) ng ‘subpoenas’ sina Transportation Secretary Leandro Mendoza at Chair-man Romulo Neri ng Com-mission on Higher Educa-tion (CHED) upang imbita-han ang mga ito na dumalo sa pagdinig sa $329 million broadband deal sa China’s ZTE Corporation.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=4&aid=49584


Joker tutol sa Southrail project probe

By: Marlon Purificacion

TUTOL si Sen. Joker Arroyo sa ikinakasang imbes-tigasyon ng mataas na kapulungan hinggil sa anomalyang bumalot sa Southrail Project na nauna nang ibinunyag ni NBN-ZTE witness Engr. Rodolfo Lozada Jr.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=4&aid=49586


Convene ODA oversight body — Escudero

Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero has reiterated his call to convene the congressional oversight committee for overseas development assistance to prevent and avoid wanton approval of loan agreements which, he said, “skirts
the constitutional provision which states that funds can only leave the Treasury pursuant to an appropriation made by Congress.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=4&aid=49592


Nagamit ako ni Lozada -- Atienza

By: Arlene Rivera-Posadas

INIHAYAG ni Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza na nagamit lamang umano siya ni ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada sa “scripted abduction” na ginawa nito.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=4&aid=49624


GMA twits presidential aspirants over ZTE deal

By: Efren Montano

TAKING the bull by its horns, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday twitted presidential wannabes, who exploit the $329-million National Broadband Network ZTE deal scandal for their political ambitions for 2010 as she called on them to set aside political wrangling and ensure a brighter future and stability for the sake of our nation.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-16&sec=4&aid=49626



ONLINE NEWS MONITORING
February 17, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer
(UPDATE 2) Abalos ‘faces’ Jun, denies allegations

By Erwin Oliva
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 22:53:00 02/16/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Former Commission on Elections chairman Benjamin Abalos Sr. denied that he threatened the life of Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr. and claimed that Lozada even went back to the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City several times after the threat was allegedly made on January 18, 2007.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080216-119374/Abalos-faces-Jun-denies-allegations

2. The Philippine Star
Lozada: I’ve done my part
By Aurea Calica
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., the Senate’s star witness in its national broadband network (NBN) probe, said he has done his part in pushing for moral and political changes, and that it is now up to the people to make those changes happen.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216167

3. Manila Times

4. Malaya




5. Manila Bulletin

6. The Daily Tribune

7. Abante

8. Abante-Tonite

9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

10. Journal


11. Business World

12. Business Mirror



II. POLITICAL
Police to monitor Mass at La Salle
By Rainier Allan Ronda
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Philippine National Police-National Capital Region Police Office (PNP-NCRPO) will merely monitor the scheduled Mass of anti-government forces inside De La Salle Greenhills in Mandaluyong City today and will not assign forces outside the school premises.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216169

Ombudsman: Everyone wants to know the truth
By Sandy Araneta
Sunday, February 17, 2008
As more issues unravel in the national broadband network (NBN) controversy, Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez said she felt it is time to step in and help the public find the truth.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216171

Teves quitting post amid CA concerns?
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Is Finance Secretary Margarito Teves quitting his post?
Rumors about Teves resigning have been circulating and various sources said the finance secretary is indeed leaving his position because the Commission on Appointments (CA) has not confirmed him until now.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216174

Erap ready to join groups vs corruption
By Jose Rodel Clapano
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Pardoned former President Joseph Estrada said yesterday that business organizations, civil society, and other groups that allegedly conspired to oust him in 2001 are “now realizing their mistakes.”
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216175

Teodoro, Esperon, Razon also no-shows at PMA homecoming
By Cecille Suerte Felipe and James Mananghaya
Sunday, February 17, 2008
BAGUIO CITY – The top graduates of Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Class of 1974 were no-shows at homecoming ceremonies here yesterday in the shadow of alleged plots to assassinate President Arroyo and fresh protests calling for her resignation.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216176

Kiko wants witness protection program independent from DOJ
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Senate Majority Leader Francis Pangilinan wants witnesses testifying against the administration to be excluded from the government’s witness protection program.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216178

Congress under JDV spent P150 M to pass a single law – Villafuerte
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The 13th Congress (June 2004 - June 2007) under the leadership of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. spent a staggering P150 million just to have a single bill passed into law, a senior administration lawmaker revealed yesterday.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216179

Away from media glare, GMA inaugurates airfield in Pangasinan
By Cesar Ramirez
Sunday, February 17, 2008
BINALONAN, Pangasinan – President Arroyo formally inaugurated yesterday a local airfield here as she also led the groundbreaking ceremony for the construction of a two-story, four-classroom school building.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216181

Lozada: Palace gave me P.5 M to spend in HK, but I didn’t splurge
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Resigned Philippine Forest Corp. (PFC) president and chief executive officer Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. said yesterday that a Malacañang official gave him P500,000 for his expenses while waiting for his order to return from Hong Kong.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216182

Palace says GMA resign rallies baseless, premature
By Marvin Sy
Sunday, February 17, 2008
A day after the storm of protests calling for the ouster of President Arroyo in the brewing controversy generated by the botched national broadband network (NBN) deal, Malacañang reiterated it is not enough reason to force the resignation of the Chief Executive.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216185

DOJ eyeing perjury cases on Lozada ‘abduction’
Sunday, February 17, 2008
The Department of Justice (DOJ) is eyeing perjury complaints against personalities who issued conflicting statements on the alleged abduction of controversial Senate ZTE witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080216187

The Lozada crisis: Diversion follows the failed cover-up
AS I WRECK THIS CHAIR By William M. Esposo
Sunday, February 17, 2008
Seven men of the same ilk peddling a big lie cannot overturn the credible story of one simple man.
http://philstar.com/index.php?Opinion&p=49&type=2&sec=25&aid=20080216132



I.BANNER STORIES
1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Group urges Arroyo Cabinet to resign

‘It’s time to go; it’s time to cut clean’

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:02:00 02/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- In a move that could further stir political turbulence, about 60 former government officials on Sunday said the Arroyo administration had “gone wild” and urged Cabinet members who could no longer stomach its supposed greed to resign, declaring: “It’s time to cut clean. It’s time to go.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080218-119547/Group_urges_Arroyo_Cabinet_to_resign


2. The Philippine Star

‘Jun, you are not alone’

By Non Alquitran and Edu Punay
Monday, February 18, 2008

Dusting off an old catch phrase that helped topple a dictator, former President Corazon Aquino urged the Filipino people yesterday to unite for the future and support witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217110


3. Manila Times

‘I was trying to save my soul’

5,000 attend Mass for Lozada at De La Salle

Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. conceded he is no saint and that he merely wanted to save his soul that was tainted by years of public service under the Arroyo administration.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/18/yehey/top_stories/20080218top1.html


4. Malaya

Resign, 60 ex-officials urge GMA Cabinet
‘Do what is right, walk in the light’

BY ASHZEL HACHERO

ABOUT 60 former senior officials from the Aquino, Ramos, Estrada and Arroyo governments yesterday asked Cabinet members to "cut clean" and expose wrongdoings in the present government.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb18/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

SC upholds Bank Secrecy Act
Denies petition of Anti-Money Launderng Council

By REY G. PANALIGAN

The Supreme Court (SC) has ruled that courts cannot issue bank inquiry orders without notice and hearing as it reiterated that "because of the Bank Secrecy Act, the confidentiality of bank deposits remains a basic state policy in the Philippines."
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080218117260.html

6. The Daily Tribune

Ex-Cabinet men call on Gloria aides to quit

02/18/2008

Stepping up public pressure on President Arroyo, with the goal of getting her isolated while evidently hoping for the military to crumble and withdraw support from her and her regime, some 60 former Cabinet and sub-Cabinet officials yesterday signed a manifesto calling on Mrs. Arroyo’s Cabinet officials to quit.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080218hed1.html


7. Abante

RESIGN LAHAT!

Nina JB Salarzon, Rose Miranda, Irish Ann Cruz at Eralyn Prado

Limampu’t apat na dating miyembro ng gabinete ng gobyerno ng iba’t ibang nagdaang administrasyon ang nagkakaisang nanawagan ng “mass resignation” sa mga miyembro ng gabinete ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb1808/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

GLORIA LAYAS NA PARA WALANG GULO!

Nina Rey Marfil at Irish Ann Cruz

Sa hangaring maiwasan ang gulo at pagdanak ng dugo, katulad ng pangamba ni Jesus is Lord (JIL) leader Bro. Eddie Villanueva, muling pinayuhan ni Senate minority floor leader Aquilino ‘Nene’ Pimentel Jr. si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na kusang-loob na nitong lisanin ang Malacañang para manumbalik ang katahimikan ng bansa.
Ayon kay Pimentel, tanging resignation o voluntary exit ni Mrs. Arroyo ang mapayapang paraan upang maibalik sa normal ang kalagayan ng Pilipinas dahil maaaring magkagulo kung patuloy na magmamatigas ito, katulad ng ikinababahala ni Villanueva.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb1808/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Razon nagsisisi

Ni Danilo Garcia
Monday, February 18, 2008

Nagsisisi na si Philipine National Police (PNP) chief, Director General Avelino Razon Jr. sa “pagtulong” umano kay ZTE broadband deal witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. sa pagbibigay ng seguridad dito matapos dumating buhat sa Hong Kong dahil sa kabi-kabilang intriga na ibinabato sa kanila ngayon.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008021756


10. Journal

RESIGN!

By: Alvin Murcia

Time to cut clean, Hyatt 10 tells all the President’s men

THE Hyatt 10 – estranged Cabinet officials of the Arroyo administration – yesterday called on the incumbent members of the official family of President Macapagal-Arroyo to resign in the light of the raging ZTE-national broadband network deal controversy.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-18&sec=1&aid=49791


11. Business World

Oil tariff rate under review

THE FINANCE DEPARTMENT, noting a decline in world crude prices, is considering an increase in the oil tariff that could allow oil firms to raise fuel prices.
http://bworldonline.com/BW021808/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Naia 3 accounts can’t be opened
S.C. STOPS ANTIMONEY-LAUNDERING COUNCIL BID FOR IMMEDIATE SCRUTINY SANS HEARING

By Joel R. San Juan
Reporter

THE Supreme Court (SC) has dismissed the petition of the Antimoney-Laundering Council (AMLC) for the immediate implementation of the orders of the Regional Trial Courts (RTC) in Manila and Makati to examine the webs of bank accounts of former government officials and private individuals allegedly involved in the construction of the graft-ridden Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02182008/headlines01.html


II. POLITICAL

Church role in people power cited

By Tarra Quismundo, Beverly T. Natividad
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:04:00 02/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Religious leaders, whether in the Christian or Muslim world, are proven catalysts of successful revolutions.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080218-119550/Church-role-in-people-power-cited


ANALYSIS
Cover-up may doom President

By Amando Doronila
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:21:00 02/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- State coercion has been the standard response of the Arroyo administration to public unrest sparked by allegations of corrupt practices and abuse of authority. It is the same strategy used to suppress sordid details about the canceled $329-million contract with China’s ZTE Corp. for a National Broadband Network (NBN).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080218-119563/Cover-up-may-doom-President


TV viewers find witness very credible

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:22:00 02/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- After more than a week of fending off criticism about his integrity, testimony in the Senate and kidnapping story, Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. still enjoys high credibility among Filipino television viewers.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080218-119564/TV-viewers-find-witness-very-credible


Amparo for Lozada unnecessary--gov’t lawyer

By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:52:00 02/17/2008

MANILA -- Government lawyers objected on Sunday to the grant of a protective writ of amparo to National Broadband Network project witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr., and to the inclusion of President Macapagal-Arroyo in the list of respondents in his petition.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080217-119504/Amparo-for-Lozada-unnecessary--govt-lawyer


US think tank doesn’t see Arroyo ouster

By Doris Dumlao, Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:03:00 02/18/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A New York-based think tank sees a slim chance that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will be ousted through another “people power” given the lack of public outrage and solid backing from the military brass even amid the ZTE-NBN scandal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080218-119549/US-think-tank-doesnt-see-Arroyo-ouster


Now on sale: Special J-Lo merchandise

Monday, February 18, 2008

Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr., a key witness in the alleged anomalies in the canceled $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal of the government with ZTE Corp. of China, is not alone in his fight for truth.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217111


AFP not letting guard down

By James Mananghaya
Monday, February 18, 2008

The military is not about to let down its guard even though authorities had declared last Friday’s protest actions as relatively orderly and peaceful, Armed Forces chief Gen. Hermogenes Esperon said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217112


Chiz on probe: Just moro-moro

By Christina Mendez
Monday, February 18, 2008

The initiative of the Office of the Ombudsman to investigate alleged corruption in the national broadband network (NBN) deal is only for show and “meant to salvage the Arroyo administration from the quagmire it has slipped into,” opposition Sen. Francis Escudero said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217113


Mike A to face Ombudsman’s probe

By Paolo Romero
Monday, February 18, 2008

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo vowed his full cooperation with the Office of the Ombudsman in its investigation into alleged anomalies surrounding the scrapped $329-million national broadband network (NBN) project, his lawyer said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217114


Scramble on for choice House committees

By Jess Diaz
Monday, February 18, 2008

A mad scramble for choice positions in the House of Representatives has started just days following the ouster of former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. and his replacement by Davao City Rep. Prospero Nograles.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217115


Teves not resigning, but weary of delays at CA

Monday, February 18, 2008

Finance Secretary Margarito Teves will not resign although he has grown weary of the delays in his confirmation by the Commission on Appointments, Malacañang said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217116


Sabio to resign over possible entry of new commissioner?

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Monday, February 18, 2008

The rumored reappointment of former Presidential Commission on Good Government (PCGG) commissioner Nicasio Conti to the agency could very well decide whether chairman Camilo Sabio would stay or quit in the next days.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217117


Abalos: How is Lozada paying for his golf?

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Monday, February 18, 2008

The lawyer of former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos wants Senate star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. to explain how he was able to maintain his expensive membership at the Wack Wack Golf and Country Club in Mandaluyong City despite his inadequate salary as head of the government agency, Philippine Forest Corp. (PFC).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217119



JDV ready to mediate between Erap, FVR

Monday, February 18, 2008

Ousted House speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. vowed yesterday to mediate between pardoned former President Joseph Estrada and former President Fidel V. Ramos who have been “at odds” since Estrada left Malacañang on Jan. 20, 2001.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217120


Local execs rally behind GMA

Monday, February 18, 2008

Local officials across the country have converged in Metro Manila over the weekend to express their full support to President Arroyo amid calls for her resignation.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080217121


We should investigate the ZTE officials!

INSIDE CEBU By Bobit S. Avila
Monday, February 18, 2008

There is no doubt that since the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee chaired by Alan Peter Cayetano began its investigation of the ZTE-NBN deal last year, including the dramatic appearance of engineer Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. in the Senate hearings, now every Tom, Dick and Harry has gotten practically all the angles that fueled this controversy. But most surprising of all, there is an angle that that’s too obvious to ignore. I’m talking about the role of ZTE officials in this scam. This was the subject of our conversation with Cebu City Mayor Tomas Osmeña during lunch last Thursday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Nation&p=49&type=2&sec=28&aid=2008021745


Bishops repeat: ‘communal action’ not for GMA to resign

By William B. Depasupil, Reporter

Catholic bishops again clarified on Sunday that the call for “communal action” is for people to pray for peace, not for President Gloria Arroyo to step down.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/18/yehey/top_stories/20080218top2.html


3 bishops come to Gloria's defense

BY GERARD NAVAL

THREE Catholic prelates yesterday came to President Arroyo's defense.

"We are quick to condemn corruption when perpetrated by others. It is more difficult to acknowledge that the seeds of corruption lie in all our hearts," said a joint statement of Bishop Ramon Villena of Bayombong (Nueva Vizcaya), Archbishop Diosdado Talamayan of Tuguegarao (Cagayan) and Apostolic Vicar Bishop Rodolfo Beltran of Bontoc (Mt. Province)-Lagaw (Ifugao).
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb18/news2.htm


Panel likely to ask Ping to take stand

BY JP LOPEZ

BLUE Ribbon chair Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday said Sen. Panfilo Lacson might be asked to testify on a meeting with acting Higher Education chair Romulo Neri in Makati City last December where the latter described President Arroyo as "evil."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb18/news3.htm


4-man panel formed to draft House reforms

BY WENDELL VIGILIA

HOUSE Speaker Prospero Nograles has formed a four-man team that would draft proposed reforms in the chamber, said to be the basis for the ouster of Jose de Venecia Jr.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb18/news4.htm


Nograles: Lakas and Kampi to remain as equals

By Maricel V. Cruz, Reporter

House Speaker Prospero Nograles on Sunday declared that the two pillars of the administration—Lakas Christian Muslim Democrats and the Kabalikat ng Mamayang Pilipino—will remain as “equal partners” even if proposed merger pushes through.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/18/yehey/metro/20080218met2.html

Bunye says bishops not calling for mass action against gov’t

Escudero raps Ombudsman probe

By GENALYN D. KABILING

Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye said yesterday that the "communal action" recently sought by the Catholic bishops was not a call for mass action against the Arroyo administration but a call to prayer and collective action in search of truth and justice.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080218117261.html


Ombudsman iisnabin ni FG

(Rose Miranda)

Hindi makakadalo si First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo sa unang araw ng pagdinig ng Ombudsman sa maanomalyang National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb1808/news02.htm


FG no-show before Ombudsman?

By: Efren Montano

HEALTH considerations could prevent First Gentleman Mike Arroyo from showing up in today’s investigation by the Ombudsman into alleged anomalies in the scrapped $329-million National Broadband Network-ZTE deal, deputy presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-18&sec=1&aid=49775


Nagpatakas kay Neri lagot sa Senado

(Rey Marfil)

Isa sa magiging sentro ng pagtatanong ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson sa pagpapatuloy ng imbestigasyon sa broadband scandal ang mga impormasyon tungkol sa negosyanteng nagpatakas umano kay Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Romulo Neri patungong Estados Unidos para makaiwas sa Senado.
Sa pinakahuling media interview kay dating Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) president Rodolfo Lozada, direktang itinuro nito ang negosyanteng si Donald Dee, presidente ng Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), bilang mastermind sa pag-eskapo ni Neri patungong Estados Unidos habang kainitan ang broadband probe sa Senado.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb1808/news_story4.htm


Stem gov’t corruption -- Brother Eddie

By: Alvin Murcia

BROTHER Eddie Villanueva, Jesus Is Lord Church spiritual director, on Saturday urged the country’s top leaders to solve “growing government corruption.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-18&sec=1&aid=49776


The truth, not hearsay, please

By: Tess Bedico

EMOTIONS and hearsays cannot be the basis for truth and justice.

Malacañang thus reacted to the Mass in support of Senate witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada, Jr. even as it took strong exception to the homily of Jesuit priest Manoling Francisco, who said the Arroyo administration had lost its moral authority to govern the country.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-18&sec=1&aid=49811


Lozada marami pang ikakanta

(Rey Marfil)

Bagama’t 18-oras naisalang sa dalawang public hearing, marami pang ‘baong bala’ si dating Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) president Rodolfo Lozada Jr. kapag humarap sa ikatlong pagdinig ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso ngayong umaga.
Ayon kay Senate minority floor leader Aquilino “Nene” Pimentel Jr., marami pang ikakanta si Lozada sa pagpapatuloy ng imbestigasyon tungkol sa overpricing at suhulan sa National Broadband Network (NBN) project.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb1808/news_story3.htm


Lozada sasalang uli sa Senado

Monday, February 18, 2008

Muling haharap ngayong umaga si ZTE-NBN witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. sa pagpapatuloy ng im­bestigasyon ng Senate blue ribbon committee hinggil sa umano’y pagdukot sa kanya sa NAIA noong Pebrero 5 pagdating niya mula sa Hong Kong.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008021757




February 19, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./


I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

‘Neri said Arroyo is evil’ -- Lozada

NBN deal star witness testifies on Dec. 7 meeting

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:11:00 02/19/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Commission on Higher Education Chair Romulo Neri called President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo “evil” and considered resigning after she told him to endorse the $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project despite bribery claims, Rodolfo Lozada Jr. said Monday at the continuation of the Senate hearing on the scuttled NBN deal with China’s ZTE Corp.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080219-119753/Neri-said-Arroyo-is-evil----Lozada


2. The Philippine Star

‘GMA in the middle of it all’

By Aurea Calica
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

In the “web of corruption” gripping the country, President Arroyo is in the “middle of it” all, Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri was said to have told Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. and two senators during a private meeting in Makati last December.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218175


3. Manila Times

Jun: Neri lost faith in GMA

Ex-NEDA chief denies calling President ‘evil’

By Efren L. Danao, Senior Reporter

Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. continued his Senate testimony Monday about the controversial broadband deal, recounting the supposed disillusionment of Romulo Neri with President Gloria Arroyo.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/19/yehey/top_stories/20080219top1.html


4. Malaya

‘Gloria is evil’
Neri: I don’t remember saying it

BY JP LOPEZ

ACTING Higher Education chair Romulo Neri described President Arroyo as "evil" when he met Senators Panfilo Lacson and Jamby Madrigal in Makati City last December 7, ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. said yesterday .
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb19/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Lozada yields P500,000 to Senate

Witness talks about meeting with 2 senators
Lozada returns money, bares meeting with 2 senators

Mario B. Casayuran

Former National Economic and Development Authority chief Romulo Neri met Senators Jamby Madrigal and Panfilo Lacson in a secret meeting on Dec. 7, 2007 and briefed them about the alleged bribery and kickbacks in the $ 329-million ZTE national broadband network contract and that President Arroyo was aware of the irregularities, Rodolfo Lozada Jr. told senators yesterday.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080219117297.html


6. The Daily Tribune

New NBN witness to pin down Gloria

By Angie M. Rosales

02/19/2008

It ain’t over till more suprise witnesses sing before the Senate, or so the probers believe.

A new witness with personal knowledge of the excessively overpriced and kickback-laden ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) contract who can “pin down the principals in Malacañang” may surface soon, as the “new witness” has expressed willingness to testify before the Senate and bare all he knows about the goings-on in the scandal-tainted NBN contract.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080219hed1.html


7. Abante

GMA IS EVIL

Ni BOYET JADULCO

“He called po si Presidente GMA ‘she is evil’.”

Ito ang panibagong pasabog na inilahad kahapon ni dating PhilForest president at CEO Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr. sa pagpapatuloy ng imbestigasyon ng Senado sa kontrobersyal na $329 milyong National Broadband Network (NBN) project.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb1908/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

OMBUDSMAN PAMATAY NG SUNOG VS GLORIA

Nina Rey Marfil at Bernard Taguinod

Kinuwestyon kahapon sa Kongreso ang inumpisahang imbestigasyon ng Office of the Ombudsman sa ZTE-National Broadband Network (ZTE-NBN) deal dahil mistula umanong ginagamit lamang ito ng Malacañang upang patayin ang apoy na nalikha ng pagkanta ni dating Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) president Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada hinggil sa maamonalyang kontrata.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb1908/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

‘Sabi ni Neri, evil person si GMA’ – Lozada

Nina Malou Escudero at Rudy Andal
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Tinawag umanong “evil person” ni dating Socio-Economic Secretary Romulo Neri si Pangulong Gloria Arroyo sa isang dinner meeting noong Disyembre, ayon sa kontrobersiyal na NBN-ZTE star witness na si Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008021821


10. Journal

‘SHE’S EVIL’

By: Bernadette E. Tamayo

• Neri called GMA that -- Lozada
• I don’t remember saying that -- Neri
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-19&sec=1&aid=49929


11. Business World

Political woes pose ratings risk
Need to shore up revenues could be sidetracked — S&P

POLITICAL STABILITY may not be the main factor in determining a country’s creditworthiness but delayed fiscal reforms as a result of continued political wrangling could weigh down the Philippines’ credit ratings, global debt watcher Standard & Poor’s (S&P) yesterday said.
http://bworldonline.com/BW021908/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

DOF targets ecozones’ import data

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

CONGRESS wants to put an end to the independent stance of the country’s economic zones, at least in terms of sharing data with the economic planners.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02192008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

Senate expecting new witness in NBN-ZTE deal, says Cayetano

February 19, 2008 03:56:00
Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- The Senate blue ribbon committee is expecting a new witness to come forward to testify on the alleged large-scale bribery in the government’s $330-million National Broadband Network (NBN) contract with Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE Corp.
http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/nbndeal/view.php?db=1&article=20080219-119777


Ombudsman foul-ups show in hearing

February 19, 2008 03:25:00
Jocelyn Uy Jeannette Andrade
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- After five months of supposedly diligent investigation, the Office of the Ombudsman Monday formally opened a public hearing on allegations of Malacañang involvement in the scandal-ridden broadband project, amid complaints from lawyers that they had not received summonses or copies of the charges.
http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/nbndeal/view.php?db=1&article=20080219-119776


Lozada turns over to Senate P.5M from Palace

February 19, 2008 02:16:00
Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Star witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada Jr. Monday turned over to the Senate the P500,000 in cash allegedly provided by a top Malacañang official to keep him away from the Senate inquiry into the controversial $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) deal.
http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/nbndeal/view.php?db=1&article=20080219-119768


Cabinet solid behind Arroyo, says Ermita

February 19, 2008 01:49:00
Christine Avendaño Michelle Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- No one is abandoning ship. Even the beleaguered Romulo Neri sounds like he is sticking it out.

“There [is] no talk of anybody getting out of the Cabinet ... Everybody in the Cabinet is sticking it out with us. We stand together,” Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita told reporters Monday.
http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/nbndeal/view.php?db=1&article=20080219-119763


Confused? Join Joe, Jojo in their crusade

By TJ Burgonio, DJ Yap
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:57:00 02/19/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Confused about the issues and scandals facing the Arroyo administration? Welcome to the club.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080219-119778/Confused-Join-Joe-Jojo-in-their-crusade


SPECIAL REPORT
Men in break-in prepared to become state witnesses

By Gerry Lirio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:39:00 02/19/2008

Read Part 1: 3 poll operators admit to cheating (02/18/08)

(Second of two parts)

MANILA, Philippines -- Two Philippine National Police officers are willing to become state witnesses in the investigation of the alleged switching of ballot boxes during a series of break-ins at the House of Representatives while votes in the 2004 elections were being canvassed.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080219-119779/Men-in-break-in-prepared-to-become-state-witnesses


Cusi denies raps: I’m really surprised

By Tarra Quismundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:40:00 02/19/2008


MANILA, Philippines -- Manila International Airport Authority general manager Alfonso Cusi Monday denied any involvement in the alleged rigging of the May 2004 election and said that the issue was being revived as part of a plot to topple President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080219-119780/Cusi-denies-raps-Im-really-surprised


GMA evil? Neri can’t remember

By Rainier Allan Ronda
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Commission on Higher Education Chairman Romulo Neri said yesterday he could not recall ever describing President Arroyo as “evil” but admitted making a presentation on the country’s state of political economy that he maintained was controlled by oligarchs.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218176


Mikey: My mom is not evil

By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The lawmaker-son of President Arroyo came to his mother’s defense yesterday after Rodolfo Lozada Jr. testified at the Senate that former socio-economic planning secretary Romulo Neri described the President as “evil.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218177


Lozada turns over P500,000 to Senate

By Christina Mendez
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

It was enough to afford him an extended luxurious vacation in Hong Kong or elsewhere but not to buy his silence.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218178


Cabinet: We stand together

By Paolo Romero
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Declaring, “We stand together,” the Cabinet rejected yesterday the call of former Cabinet officials for them to resign and abandon President Arroyo, Malacañang said.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218179


Ombudsman inhibits self from NBN case

By Sandy Araneta
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez yesterday inhibited herself from her office’s probe into the $329-million national broadband network (NBN) project, from which her former law classmate, First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo, allegedly received kickbacks.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218181


Lakas-Kampi merger will have to wait until after Feb. 28 convention

By Delon Porcalla
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Proposals to merge the country’s two biggest political parties – Lakas-CMD and the Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino (Kampi) – will have to wait until after the ruling Lakas holds its national convention on Feb. 28.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218185


DOJ to start with perjury on ZTE probe today

By Mike Frialde
Tuesday, February 19, 2008

The inquiry by the Department of Justice into the allegedly anomalous $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal between the government and ZTE Corp. of China officially starts today.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080218185



February 20, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./


I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Bishop urges new kind of people power

Lagdameo: It’s for truth and to end corruption

By Beverly T. Natividad
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:15:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The head of an influential group of Roman Catholic bishops Tuesday raised the possibility of a new brand of “people power” that would spur people to bring out the truth and end corruption that had kept the country hostage to the “greed of power-holders.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-119975/Bishop-urges-new-kind-of-people-power


2. The Philippine Star

Palace exec: P.5 M from me

By Paolo Romero
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite accused yesterday Senate witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. of duping him into giving him P500,000 and making it appear that the latter was being bribed into not testifying on the scrapped $329-million national broadband network (NBN) project.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219129


3. Manila Times

Chief Justice junks JdV offer

Puno sees conflicts in role of ‘moral’ leader

Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno on Tuesday turned down an invitation of ousted House Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. to sit as chairman of the so-called Council for Moral Revolution that the former top congressman had proposed.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/20/yehey/top_stories/20080220top1.html


4. Malaya

‘From frying pan to worse frying pan’
CBCP head rues Erap ouster, GMA installation

BY GERARD NAVAL

ARCHBISHOP Angel Lagdameo yesterday expressed disappointment over the Church’s involvement in ousting Joseph Estrada, a president they perceived to be corrupt, only to replace him with Gloria Arroyo who was tagged the most corrupt president in a recent survey.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb20/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Gov’t cancels foreign loans on projects

Including Cyber-education and South Rail
GMA says gov’t will seek local financing for 11 projects

By GENALYN D. KABILING

President Arroyo yesterday ordered the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to cancel planned foreign loans that were supposed to finance 11 major development projects worth P104 billion and use local funds instead.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080220117397.html


6. The Daily Tribune

Edsa II a mistake, says CBCP head

By Ayen Infante

02/20/2008

The church issued yesterday what amounted to a public apology for its pivotal role in installing then Vice President Gloria Arroyo to the presidency in a 2001 military-backed revolt that ousted popularly elected President Joseph Estrada.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080220hed1.html


7. Abante

WARIWAT SA 1 PANG LOZADA

(Rose Miranda/Eralyn Prado/Juliet de Loza)

Alumpihit ngayon ang Malacañang sa pangangapa at panghuhula kung sino ang sinasabing isa pang opisyal ng gobyerno na mag-aala-Jun Lozada upang magbunyag ng kanyang nalalaman sa naunsyaming NBN-ZTE deal.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2008/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

AYAW NG RESIGN, SNAP POLLS NA LANG!

ni: Bernard Taguinod

Kung mayroon pang pakialam si Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sa sambayanang Filipino, dapat nitong kagatin ang hamon na “snap election” upang maiiwas ang Pilipinas sa mga oportunista na posibleng magsamantala sa sitwasyon upang makapanggulo.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2008/news_story1.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

GMA, FG dedma sa ‘evil’

Ni Rudy Andal
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Binalewala lamang ni Pangulong Arroyo ang “evil” issue na ibinabato sa kanya kaugnay ng umiinit na kontrobersya sa NBN-ZTE deal investigation at pagsasangkot sa kanyang mister na si First Gentleman Mike Arroyo sa nasabing isyu.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008021941


10. Journal

UNITED

By: Tess Bedico

Cabinet members affirm solidarity in walk with GMA

A DAY after issuing a joint statement of solidarity, Cabinet members joined President Macapagal-Arroyo in a “unity walk” in Malacanang on their way to a meeting yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-20&sec=1&aid=50033


11. Business World

Minimum warrants price set

THE PHILIPPINE GOVERNMENT is selling sweeteners for its foreign currency-denominated debts, at not less than $7.50 each, in a three-day auction that begins today.
http://bworldonline.com/BW022008/content.php?id=001



12. Business Mirror

Securities-trade dip probed
SECONDARY MARKET TURNOVER SHRINKS FROM P30B TO P6B; HEFTY FEES BLAMED

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

THE once-vibrant secondary market for government securities, where value turnover totals P30 billion a day, is only now a shadow of its former self—as securities trades average no more than P6 billion daily.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02202008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

‘Other probes meant to kill Senate inquiry,’ says lawyer

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:03:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Stopping the Senate inquiry is the motive for the Office of the Ombudsman’s sudden move to hear the cases implicating Malacañang in the scandal-ridden National Broadband Network (NBN) deal, according to two lawyer-complainants.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-119990/Other-probes-meant-to-kill-Senate-inquiry-says-lawyer


Arroyo takes ‘solidarity walk’ with her Cabinet

By Christine Avendaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 03:57:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Faced with growing calls for them to step down, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and members of her Cabinet Tuesday took a “solidarity walk” on the grounds of Malacañang.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-119988/Arroyo-takes-solidarity-walk-with-her-Cabinet


Palace exec says P.5M for Lozada from his pocket

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:01:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- He may be receiving a monthly salary of only about P50,000, but Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite says he will not hesitate to shell out P500,000 to a person in need -- like whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-119989/Palace-exec-says-P5M-for-Lozada-from-his-pocket


New mystery witness has more ‘damning’ testimony

By TJ Burgonio, Dona Pazzibugan
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:27:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A “techie” who knows the personalities who received commissions in connection with the scuttled $329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) contract is among the new witnesses set to testify in the Senate inquiry into the scandal-tainted deal.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-119998/New-mystery-witness-has-more-damning-testimony


Cop charges Lozada wife with perjury

By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:27:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The wife of Senate star witness Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr. is facing perjury charges for her alleged false claims in the petition for a writ of habeas corpus she filed in the Supreme Court.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-119999/Cop-charges-Lozada-wife-with-perjury


Arroyo puts on hold 11 projects worth more than P100B

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:28:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday put on hold 11 foreign-funded projects worth more than P100 billion, including the controversial Cyber Education deal and other infrastructure projects to be funded by China.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-120000/Arroyo-puts-on-hold-11-projects-worth-more-than-P100B


Chief Justice declines ‘moral revolution’ council top post

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:29:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Chief Justice Reynato Puno has declined to head the recently launched Council for Moral Revolution because of the sensitivity of his position.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-120001/Chief-Justice-declines-moral-revolution-council-top-post


SC orders stop to ‘frivolous’ recount of Pampanga votes

By Leila Salaverria, Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:29:00 02/20/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- If Pampanga Gov. Ed Panlilio had reason to cheer, it was because, he said, God listened to his plea.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080220-120002/SC-orders-stop-to-frivolous-recount-of-Pampanga-votes


Noli qualified to take over – Joker, Nene

By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel Jr. and Sen. Joker Arroyo yesterday said Vice President Noli de Castro can take over the presidency if the situation calls for it.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219130


House bill filed for snap election

By Delon Porcalla
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

A lawmaker who served as administrator of the National Food Authority during the time of former President Joseph Estrada yesterday called for the holding of a “snap election” for the position of president.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219144


JDV seeks House inquiry on alleged cheating in 2004 election

By Jess Diaz
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Ousted speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. sought yesterday a “wide ranging” House investigation into alleged cheating and other irregularities in the 2004 presidential election.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219145


Suspension of agri tariff pushed

By Ding Cervantes
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT, Pampanga – Fearing adverse effects of global warming and a worldwide economic slowdown, private agricultural sector producers and exporters are pressing the government to suspend tariff on all agricultural input imports amounting to some P5 billion to P8 billion yearly.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219146


Multi-sectoral meet on action vs corruption

By Edu Punay
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

What action should be done in order to end rampant corruption in government and start moral renewal of the nation?
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219147



GMA business allies seek separate ZTE probe

By Ma. Elisa Osorio
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Business groups allied to Malacañang yesterday expressed desire for the government to create an impartial body to look into the scrapped national broadband network (NBN) deal even as President Arroyo was hopeful that the investigation of the Office of the Ombudsman would be “swift and fair.”
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219188


FG: First Family okay despite name-calling

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo said he and members of the First Family are “okay” amid the NBN-ZTE scandal that continues to hound the Arroyo administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219148


JDV to GMA: Prove you’re not evil

By Jess Diaz
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. dared President Arroyo yesterday to prove that she is not “evil” or face public wrath that may eventually lead to her ouster.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219149


Ping: Neri wasn’t drunk to forget calling GMA ‘evil’

By Aurea Calica
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

Sen. Panfilo Lacson disclosed yesterday that Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri was not drunk when they met in December for him not to remember the things he discussed that night.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219150


GMA orders release of P750 M for unified ID card system

By Marvin Sy
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

President Arroyo has ordered the release of P750 million to the National Statistics Office (NSO) for the implementation of the Unified Multi-purpose Identification System (UMIDS).
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219152


Sandigan to sheriff: Seize P189 million of Velarde account

By Sandy Araneta
Wednesday, February 20, 2008

The Sandiganbayan ordered yesterday the seizure of some P189 million stashed in the supposed Jose Velarde bank account of former President Joseph Estrada.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080219153


Villar: Neri will appear again at Senate

By Efren L. Danao Senior, Reporter

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. said former Socio-economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri would testify before the Senate blue-ribbon committee on the aborted $330-million national broadband network project once the Supreme Court clears the way for his testimony.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/20/yehey/top_stories/20080220top6.html


Would-be witness doubts
Senate probe is right venue

BLUE Ribbon committee chair Alan Peter Cayetano yesterday said the "high government official" whom he described on Monday as a new witness in the ZTE scandal is having second thoughts about testifying in the Senate.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb20/news7.htm


Cayetano hopes Neri will still testify at Senate

By MARIO B. CASAYURAN

Sen. Alan Peter S. Cayetano, chairman of the Senate Blue Ribbon Committee, said yesterday he is not giving up on former Economic Planning Secretary Romulo Neri to eventually come clean by testifying on who were expected to benefit financially from the graft-shrouded $ 329-million ZTE national broadband network (NBN) contract and how it was packaged.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080220117399.html


Palace exec admits giving
P500T to Lozada

BY REGINA BENGCO

DEPUTY Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite yesterday accused ZTE star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. of deception to make it appear that Malacañang was preventing him from testifying in the Senate’s ZTE-NBN probe.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb20/news6.htm


New ZTE witness uncommitted; Fu Yong no China diplomat

By Angie M. Rosales

02/20/2008

It could have been a matter of public appetite-whetting when Senate blue ribbon committee chairman Sen. Peter Alan Cayetano announced to reporters the other day that he had a new witness to the ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) probe who could pin down the top officials involved in the scandal-tainted project, filled with kickbacks in the billions of pesos.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080220hed4.html


Neri hinamong magpakalalaki

(Rey Marfil)

Ito ang naging hamon ng mga miyembro ng Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso kay Commission on Higher Education (CHED) chairman Romulo Neri kaugnay sa patuloy nitong pagtangging humarap sa broadband probe, maging ang pag-abandona sa kaibigang si dating Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) President Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2008/news_story2.htm


Ka-duet ni Lozada nakabitin pa

(Rey Marfil)

Bagama’t maagang inanunsiyo ng Senate Blue Ribbon Committee ang pagkakaroon ng ikatlong testigo sa broadband scandal, nanatiling misteryo kung sino ang magiging ‘ka-duet’ ni dating Philippine Forest Corporation (Philforest) President Rodolfo ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr., sa Senado.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2008/news_story4.htm


‘Bukol’ sa Southrail idinetalye

Nina Boyet Jadulco at Rose Miranda

Umaabot sa $128 milyong kickback ang gustong makuha ng Malacañang sa $932 milyong Southrail project ng pamahalaan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2008/news03.htm



February 21, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./


I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Senators bicker over witness

Enrile, Lacson warn peers on paid testimony

By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr., Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:13:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Senators Panfilo Lacson and Juan Ponce Enrile Wednesday cautioned their peers against inviting mercenary witnesses to the Senate’s long-running probe of the scrapped broadband deal, which is scheduled to resume on Tuesday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120194/Senators_bicker_over_witness


2. The Philippine Star

'FG heads midnight Cabinet'

By Marichu Villanueva
Thursday, February 21, 2008

He’s just an “ordinary lawyer” who does not meddle in affairs of government, according to First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo.

But Gina de Venecia, who until recently was a close ally of President Arroyo, said yesterday that the controversial First Gentleman in fact presides over a “midnight Cabinet” that is deeply involved in affairs of state.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220150


3. Manila Times

House mulls taxing church

Revoke tax shield for churches into politics–Nograles

By Maricel V. Cruz Reporter

Speaker Prospero Nograles on Wednesday raised the possibility for the government to remove tax privileges of religious institutions that actively involve themselves in politics.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/21/yehey/top_stories/20080221top1.html


4. Malaya

CBCP call prompts rally against ‘evil’
Feb. 29 protest likely to lead to ‘resign’ call

BY GERARD NAVAL

CIVIL society groups are organizing an inter-faith rally in response to the call of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines for what has been designated as "communal action for truth, justice and accountability."
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb21/news1.htm



5. Manila Bulletin

No Cabinet revamp — Palace

Ermita says Cabinet is solid behind Arroyo
No Cabinet revamp; GMA’s economic team intact

By DAVID CAGAHASTIAN

Malacañang denied yesterday rumors of a Cabinet reshuffle as the one-year prohibition for appointing losing candidates is nearing expiration, insisting that the Cabinet is intact and solid behind President Arroyo, despite allegations of bribery and overpricing in the $ 329-million National Broadband Network (NBN) project.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080221117473.html


6. The Daily Tribune

2 GMA Cabinet members may spill the beans—Jinggoy

By Angie M. Rosales

02/21/2008

The Arroyo Cabinet may be showing cracks, despite the show of unity and expressions of solid support as Senate President Pro Tempore Jinggoy Estrada yesterday claimed that some Cabinet officials of President Arroyo have been sending feelers to the effect that they are ready to testify before the Senate on the ongoing scandal-tainted ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) contract probe, saying their appearance before the Senate may come anytime soon.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080221hed1.html


7. Abante

GOBYERNONG SINDIKATO BUWAGIN!

(Noel Abuel/Juliet de Loza/Tina Mendoza/Nilo Marasigan/Nonnie Ferriol)

Sa mata ng mga grupong manggagawa ay naging isang sindikato na ang pamahalaang Arroyo kaya’t wala nang puwang pa para manatili ito sa kapangyarihan.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2108/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

2 GABINETE BALAK KUMANTA

Ni Rey Marfil

Ibinunyag ni Senate pro-tempore Jinggoy Estrada Jr., na dalawa sa gabinete ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo na nakasama sa ‘unity walk’ sa Malacañang ang nagbabalak nang tumestigo sa broadband scandal.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2108/news_headline.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Senado neutral sa ‘GMA resign!’

Ni Malou Escudero
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Upang mapanatiling “neutral” ang Mataas na Kapulungan ng Kongreso, sinigurado ni Senate President Manny Villar na hindi nito susuportahan ang panawagang patalsikin sa Malacañang si Pangulong Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022035


10. Journal

LEAD FIGHT, CHURCH DARED

By: Lee Ann P. Ducusin

Civil groups want stronger CBCP stand vs corruption

A DAY after the head of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines called for a new people power, civil society leaders dared the Church to lead a concerted fight for “truth, justice and accountability.”
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-21&sec=1&aid=50148



11. Business World

Revenues, not politics, for S&P
Debt watcher says fiscal job remains unfinished

THE PHILIPPINE ECONOMY is expected to be resilient in the face of a possible US recession but the sustainability of the country’s fiscal consolidation program remains a worry, global debt watcher Standard and Poor’s (S&P) yesterday said.
http://bworldonline.com/BW022108/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Risks seen to crimp high growth

By Cai U. Ordinario
Reporter

DESPITE the economic and development challenges of the Philippines, there is still a possibility its gross domestic product (GDP) may grow in the range of 6.2 percent to 7.2 percent this year, according to a study by the Ateneo de Manila University.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/02212008/headlines01.html












II. POLITICAL

Rallies to mark EDSA I 22nd anniversary

By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:09:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines - Protest from the left, the right and the middle forces is snowballing against the Arroyo administration as a result of the disclosures made in connection with the controversial National Broadband Network (NBN) project.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120209/Rallies-to-mark-EDSA-I-22nd-anniversary


Palace: Another people power uprising unlikely

By Christine Avendaño, Leila Salaverria, Norman Bordadora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:11:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang is convinced that the current political turmoil is not enough to trigger another people power uprising in the country.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120210/Palace-Another-people-power-uprising-unlikely


Now, Palace says P.5M from ‘private source’

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:14:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines - The P500,000 cash given by Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite to Rodolfo Lozada Jr. before the latter testified at the Senate on the scrapped broadband deal came from a “private source,” Malacañang said yesterday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120211/Now-Palace-says-P5M-from-private-source


De Castro: Text messages on ‘girlfriend’ a demolition job

By Cynthia Balana, Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:24:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines - Vice President Noli de Castro Wednesday decried as “malicious and baseless” text messages that said he had bought his girlfriend a house and lot worth P200 million and another mistress, a brand new luxury car.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120213/De-Castro-Text-messages-on-girlfriend-a-demolition-job

After ‘evil’ tag comes ‘she’s the luckiest b*tch’

By Michelle Remo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:27:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines - Whatever she is, Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is one lucky President, according to her economic adviser.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120214/After-evil-tag-comes-shes-the-luckiest-btch


Lozada wife says threats continuing

By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:28:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines - The wife of Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. has told the Court of Appeals that death threats against her husband and the family were continuing and she feared they would become “sitting ducks.”
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120215/Lozada-wife-says-threats-continuing


UP Law professors, students call on Arroyo to quit

By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 05:29:00 02/21/2008

MANILA, Philippines - Angered by what they viewed as President Macapagal-Arroyo’s inaction on the disclosures about the scrapped National Broadband Network (NBN) project, students and professors of the University of the Philippines College of Law Wednesday called on her to go on leave or resign her post.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080221-120216/UP-Law-professors-students-call-on-Arroyo-to-quit


S&P worried about RP fiscal situation

By Iris Gonzales
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Standard & Poor’s (S&P) credit rating agency has expressed concern over the country’s fiscal situation, particularly the government’s weak revenue stream.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220151


EDSA 1 forces reunite on Feb. 25

By Michael Punongbayan
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Former President Corazon Aquino will lead key players of the 1986 EDSA people power revolution in a thanksgiving Mass at Sto. Domingo Church in Quezon City on Monday to commemorate the 22nd anniversary of the first bloodless revolution that ended an era of dictatorship.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220152


Ombudsman’s lead prober cleared Abalos in automation case

By Sandy Araneta
Thursday, February 21, 2008

The lead prober in the Office of the Ombudsman’s investigation of the national broadband network (NBN) deal with Chinese firm ZTE Corp. had cleared former Commission on Elections (Comelec) chairman Benjamin Abalos, one of the respondents, in a previous case also involving a multibillion-peso project.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220153


P.5 M from private sources – Gaite

By Paolo Romero
Thursday, February 21, 2008

They’re now singing an amended tune.

Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite yesterday said the P500,000 he gave Rodolfo Lozada Jr. through his brother was a “loan” put together by “private sources” who wanted to help Lozada but chose to remain anonymous.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220178


GMA, JDV to face off in March 3 Lakas convention

By Delon Porcalla
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Ousted House speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. will probably have no choice but to confront President Arroyo when the ruling Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats, of which they are both stalwarts, holds its convention on March 3.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220155


Senators to scrutinize ODA-funded projects

By Aurea Calica
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Senators vowed to look into other projects funded by official development assistance (ODA) and other loan agreements despite the suspension of 11 big-ticket projects, including the controversial Cyber-Education Project (CEP), worth P104 billion.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220159


Lacson admits potential witness in ZTE scandal demanded fee

By Non Alquitran
Thursday, February 21, 2008

A man had offered to bare more anomalies in the government’s national broadband network (NBN) project with ZTE Corp. of China in exchange for P5 million to P10 million but later changed his mind and agreed to do it for free, Sen. Panfilo Lacson said yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220164


Senators say GMA’s unity walk a sign of ‘panic and desperation’

By Aurea Calica
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Senators branded yesterday the unity walk staged by President Arroyo and her Cabinet members as a sign of “panic and desperation” even as Malacañang appealed to its detractors to spare the economy in their efforts to hit or even destabilize the administration.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220167


JDV to join GMA resign calls if she is unable to prove she’s not evil

By Jess Diaz
Thursday, February 21, 2008

Former Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr. said yesterday he would join mounting calls for President Arroyo’s resignation if she fails to sufficiently explain that she’s not evil as Chairman Romulo Neri of the Commission on Higher Education allegedly once described her.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080220170


Palace belittles possibility of People Power 3

Amid snowballing calls from civil society groups President Gloria Arroyo to resign, Malacañang on Wednesday insisted People Power 3 is unlikely, that the Cabinet remains intact, and that no impending government shake-up looms.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/21/yehey/top_stories/20080221top3.html


Opposition, militants set ‘coordinated’ protests to mark Edsa 1

BY ASHZEL HACHERO

THE United Opposition yesterday said it would offer a thanksgiving mass at the Ninoy Aquino monument in Makati City on Monday, the 22nd anniversary of the 1986 Edsa Revolution.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb21/news3.htm


Senators vow to go after ZTE officials

BY JP LOPEZ

SENATORS yesterday vowed to stop at nothing to get representatives of Zhong Xing Telecommunications Equipment (ZTE) Corp., the Chinese firm which was awarded the $329 million national broadband deal, to cooperate in the Senate’s inquiry on the NBN-ZTE scandal.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb21/news4.htm


Palusot ni Gaite sa ZTE probe ‘di kinagat sa Senado

By: Marlon Purificacion at Jerry Tan

HINDI na bumenta sa mga senador ang palusot ni deputy executive secretary Manuel Gaite sa kanyang sariling bulsa nanggaling ang P500,000 na ipinautang niya kay broadband-ZTE deal star witness Rodolfo “Jun” Lozada noong nagtago ito sa Hong Kong.

“Bakit ba sila mahilig sa P 500,000?,” wika ni Sen. Alan Peter Cayetano, chairman ng Senate blue ribbon committee.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-21&sec=4&aid=50142



February 22, 2008 Mind Bullet Inc.
http://www.brainbang-mindbullet.blogspot.com/ http://mindbullet.org./


I.BANNER STORIES

1. Philippine Daily Inquirer

Ramos takes swipe at ‘corruption’ in Arroyo gov’t

By Joel Guinto
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 09:07:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Former President Fidel Ramos lamented how the gains of the 1986 and 2001 "people power" uprisings were being lost to "greed, apathy, and corruption," in an apparent swipe at the administration.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/nation/view/20080222-120471/Ramos-takes-swipe-at-corruption-in-Arroyo-govt


2. The Philippine Star

DOJ going after Neri

By Mike Frialde
Friday, February 22, 2008

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is eyeing criminal charges against former National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) chief Romulo Neri and Senate star witness Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., for possibly mishandling confidential documents related to the canceled national broadband network (NBN) project.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221146


3. Manila Times

Military to stay ‘apolitical’

Esperon gives assurance, as PNP talks tough

By Anthony Vargas, Reporter

The military will remain loyal to the chain of command despite calls by critics of President Gloria Arroyo for her resignation over allegations of widespread corruption in her government.
http://www.manilatimes.net/national/2008/feb/22/yehey/top_stories/20080222top1.html


4. Malaya

Rallyists vs ‘evil’ warned on sedition
Luneta protest moved to Makati

BY REGINA BENGCO

MALACAÑANG yesterday said government would allow its critics to hold a prayer rally on Friday but the justice department would monitor it for seditious statements.
http://www.malaya.com.ph/feb22/news1.htm


5. Manila Bulletin

Senate subpoenas airport officials

Villar also summons 15 PNP officers to hearing
Senate resumes NBN-Lozada probe on Tuesday

Mario B. Casayuran

The Senate yesterday issued subpoenas ordering two airport officials and 15 Philippine National Police officers and men to appear before three Senate committees on Tuesday to shed light on the alleged abduction from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) of witness Rodolfo Noel I. Lozada Jr. upon his return from Hong Kong last Feb. 5.
http://www.mb.com.ph/MAIN20080222117577.html


6. The Daily Tribune

DoJ mulls criminal raps vs Neri, Lozada

By Benjamin B. Pulta and Angie M. Rosales

02/22/2008

Just two days into the Department of Justice’s investigation into the scandal-tainted $329-million ZTE-National Broadband Network (NBN) deal, which was claimed to be conducted fairly and impartially and charge those involved in the kickback schemes of the project, the DoJ said it was mulling possible criminal charges against NBN whiste-blower Rodolfo Lozada Jr. and Chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (Ched) Romulo Neri, citing Malacañang’s secrecy order.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20080222hed1.html


7. Abante

DEMOLITION JOB VS LOZADA SINASAGAD!

Nina NILO MARASIGAN, BOYET JADULCO at ROSE MIRANDA

Dahil hindi na masalag ang sumasabog na bomba ng katotohanan na inilalatag ni dating PhilForest president/CEO Rodolfo Noel ‘Jun’ Lozada Jr., pumihit sa ‘dirty tactics’ at all-out demolition job ang gobyernong Arroyo para durugin ang kredibilidad ng pangunahing testigo sa NBN-ZTE project.
http://www.abante.com.ph/issue/feb2208/default.htm


8. Abante-Tonite

KALASAN SA GABINETE, HINOG NA!

Ni Rey Marfil

Sa dami ng eskandalo at katiwaliang kinasasangkutan ni Pangulong Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo sampu ng mga galamay at kapamilya nito, hindi inaalis ni Sen. Panfilo “Ping” Lacson ang senaryong ‘hinog’ na ang pagkalas ng mga gabinete at malapit nang malaglag sa puno ang mga ito.
http://www.abante-tonite.com/issue/feb2208/news_headline.htm


9. Pilipino Star Ngayon

Pwersa vs GMA!

Nina Perseus Echeminada at Malou Escudero
Friday, February 22, 2008

Matatanggal lamang sa puwesto si Pangulong Arroyo sa pamamagitan ng puwersa.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Bansa&p=50&type=2&sec=54&aid=2008022185


10. Journal

RETURN CASH GIFTS
Bishops urged to stop accepting donations from gov’t

BISHOPS should stop accepting cash gifts or donations from the government which some prelates described to be corrupt if they want to maintain their spiritual leadership and moral ascendancy, an anti-graft group said yesterday.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-22&sec=1&aid=50249


11. Business World

Business sentiment dips but still positive
Improvement seen in second quarter

OVERALL BUSINESS SENTIMENT, while on the whole still positive, dipped in the first quarter due to a cautious exporter outlook but is expected to pick up in the next three months on increased consumer demand, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) yesterday said.
http://bworldonline.com/BW022208/content.php?id=001


12. Business Mirror

Fewer traders bullish–BSP poll

By Jun Vallecera
Reporter

Businessmen continue to hold on to a broadly optimistic outlook for the first three months this year, but their number, indicated by the confidence index of 29.9 percent, is waning, the latest survey conducted by the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) shows.
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/0222&232008/headlines01.html



II. POLITICAL

32 Manila Pen plotters were told Neri coming to join them

By Nikko Dizon, Fe Zamora, Jerry E. Esplanada, Juliet Labog-Javellana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:24:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- One of the key players in last year’s Peninsula Manila hotel takeover has claimed that days before it happened, rebel soldiers were told that Commission on Higher Education Chair Romulo Neri would be joining them in denouncing corruption in the Arroyo administration, but Neri never showed up.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120429/32-Manila-Pen-plotters-were-told-Neri-coming-to-join-them


Wet ones: ‘Crying’ witness on gov’t TV accuses Lozada

By Michael Lim Ubac
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:15:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- A government TV network Thursday produced a “crying witness” who tried to demolish the credibility of Senate star witness Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr., accusing the former chief of Philippine Forest Corp. (Philforest) of land-grabbing and condoning irregularities in the agency’s procurement process.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120437/Wet-ones-Crying-witness-on-govt-TV-accuses-Lozada


Lozada scoffs at former ‘super alalay’ charges

By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:16:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. Thursday scoffed at his former assistant’s allegations that he was involved in “crimes” and questionable land dealings when he was chief executive officer of Philippine Forest Corp. (Philforest).
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120438/Lozada-scoffs-at-former-super-alalay-charges


Ramos going to EDSA Shrine; Aquino to Sto. Domingo Church

By Cynthia Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:17:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Two major players in the 1986 People Power revolt that ended Ferdinand Marcos’ dictatorship will go their separate ways at the 22nd anniversary celebration of the historic event on Monday.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120439/Ramos-going-to-EDSA-Shrine-Aquino-to-Sto-Domingo-Church


PNP warns cops: Join protests, you’ll be fired

By Michael Lim Ubac, Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:18:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Even as President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo tried to look oblivious to the political crisis building up around her, the Philippine National Police Thursday threatened to fire policemen who would join protests calling for her resignation.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120440/PNP-warns-cops-Join-protests-youll-be-fired


Estrada: No more cover-ups

But ex-president won’t call for Arroyo resignation

By Jocelyn Uy
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 04:42:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Former President Joseph Estrada on Thursday declared his support for whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr., saying there should be an end to the cover-up of anomalies in the government.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120441/Estrada-No-more-cover-ups


SPECIAL REPORT
Remembrance of soldiers’ true bonding with people

By Maj. Gen. Ramon E. Montaño
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:40:00 02/22/2008

(Editor’s note: To mark the 22nd anniversary of EDSA I, the Philippine Daily Inquirer is running a series of articles focusing on the first coup attempt in the nation’s history, its impact on the military and the turmoil that the nation is currently experiencing. We begin with the reminiscences of the head of the Narcotics Command at the time.)

MANILA, Philippines -- Today, as I relive my personal experience during the four days of EDSA 1986, the most vivid images and sounds that emerge are of the nuns with rosaries facing the tanks with soldiers atop them.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120444/Remembrance-of-soldiers-true-bonding-with-people


NURSING BOARD EXAMS
Junkyard owner’s girl is No. 1

By Tina Santos
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:42:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- She did not expect to top the nursing licensure exams.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120445/Junkyard-owners-girl-is-No-1


Telecoms experts clash in DoJ’s NBN probe

By Jerome Aning
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:43:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- The justice department’s probe into the aborted NBN-ZTE deal on Thursday took testimony from a National Economic and Development Authority official who said the proposal of China’s ZTE Corp. was a “good deal” and a technical consultant for the competing Amsterdam Holdings Inc. who countered that the AHI bid was better.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120446/Telecoms-experts-clash-in-DoJs-NBN-probe


Big Brother also snooping on ‘Jedi’ at St. Scholastica

By Allison Lopez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:45:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Wherever the “Jedi” goes, Big Brother’s linemen seem to follow.

Officials of St. Scholastica’s College (SSC) in Manila discovered what they suspected to be either a spy camera or a bugging device installed near the main gate of the campus the night before they were to hold a forum with NBN whistle-blower Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120447/Big-Brother-also-snooping-on--Jedi-at-St-Scholastica


Lozada finally gets passport back minus BI arrival stamp

By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 06:46:00 02/22/2008

MANILA, Philippines -- Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. finally got his passport back Thursday but it did not have the usual arrival stamp from the Philippine immigration bureau.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20080222-120448/Lozada-finally-gets-passport-back-minus-BI-arrival-stamp


Pineda ally readies graft vs Among Ed

By Tonette Orejas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:54:00 02/22/2008

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Pampanga Vice Gov. Joseller Guiao, an ally of defeated candidate Lilia Pineda, on Thursday said his lawyers were preparing a graft case against Gov. Eddie Panlilio for his alleged refusal to implement a new quarry law.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20080222-120422/Pineda-ally-readies-graft-vs-Among-Ed
Palace: No midnight Cabinet

By Paolo Romero
Friday, February 22, 2008

Administration officials denied yesterday the existence of a “midnight Cabinet” at Malacañang, downplaying claims by Gina de Venecia, wife of ousted Speaker Jose de Venecia Jr., of such a group.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221147


‘Don’t take us for fools’

By Aurea Calica
Friday, February 22, 2008

Senators warned Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite yesterday about spinning tales, saying that Malacañang was making a fool of lawmakers and the public.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221148


Business optimism drops due to political noise

By Des Ferriols
Friday, February 22, 2008

Businessmen expect the economy to slow down in the first two quarters of this year on concerns over another political crisis and the likelihood of a recession in the US.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221150


Villar admits ‘pressure’ from Malacañang

By Aurea Calica
Friday, February 22, 2008

Senate President Manuel Villar Jr. admitted yesterday that he was approached by Malacañang emissaries to stop the investigation into the national broadband network (NBN) scandal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221152


PFC exec breaks silence on Lozada

By Marvin Sy
Friday, February 22, 2008

Saying that he was ready to go to jail, Philippine Forest Corp. (PFC) officer-in-charge Erwin Santos broke his silence on the alleged irregularities committed by his predecessor Rodolfo Noel “Jun” Lozada Jr., the primary witness of the Senate in the ongoing inquiry into the national broadband network (NBN) controversy.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221154


Lozada gets back passport in CA hearing

By Evelyn Macairan
Friday, February 22, 2008

Senate star witness Rodolfo Lozada Jr. got his passport back during the hearing of his petition for a writ of amparo before the Court of Appeals (CA) yesterday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221156


Most House members oppose snap election proposal

By Delon Porcalla
Friday, February 22, 2008

The administration-controlled House of Representatives will most likely thumb down the proposal of an independent lawmaker to hold a snap election for the presidency in light of recent protests calling for the resignation of President Arroyo.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221157


PAGC chair says agency won’t take part in any NBN probe

By Reinir Padua
Friday, February 22, 2008

A top official of the Presidential Anti-Graft Commission (PAGC) said yesterday that her agency will not have any part in the investigation ordered by President Arroyo on the controversial $329-million national broadband network (NBN) deal of the government with China’s ZTE.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221158

Neri appeals for 1-year political ceasefire

By Reinir Padua
Friday, February 22, 2008

Caught in the middle of the controversy on the botched national broadband network (NBN) project, Commission on Higher Education chairman Romulo Neri has appealed for a one-year ceasefire in the word war between political leaders over the brewing scandal.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221159


Esperon vows military will remain neutral

By James Mananghaya
Friday, February 22, 2008

Officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) assured the people that the military would remain neutral and would not interfere with the current volatile political situation in the country.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221160


Palace shrugs off ‘b**ch’ joke

Friday, February 22, 2008

Malacanang downplayed yesterday remarks by Presidential Economic Adviser Joey Salceda calling President Arroyo “a b**ch” at a public forum at the Ateneo de Manila last Wednesday.
http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080221161


Gaite faces perjury raps over P.1-M ‘loan’ to Lozada

02/22/2008

Deputy Executive Secretary Manuel Gaite could face perjury charges over his claims that the P500,000 he gave to Senate star witness on the National Broadband Network (NBN) project-ZTE deal probe, Rodolfo Noel Lozada Jr. was merely a “loan” to the latter, an opposition senator yesterday said.
http://www.tribune.net.ph/nation/20080222nat3.html


Panggogoyo ng Palasyo sa Pinoy inupakan ni Chiz

By: Marlon Purificacion

HINDI tanga ang mamamayang Filipino basta papaniwalain ng Malacañang kaugnay sa sina-sabi nilang hindi pera ng Palasyo ang iniabot na pera kay broadband deal star witness Rodolfo ‘’Jun’’ Lo-zada habang ito ay ‘nagtatago’ sa Hong Kong.
http://www.journal.com.ph/index.php?issue=2008-02-22&sec=1&aid=50263